Broughton’s Aching “R.I.P. Joyce” is the Heartbreaking Tribute to Struggling With the Passing of a Loved One

Broughton2_crop — Broughton, photo courtesy the artist

Somber echoing piano, minor chord progression synth drones and a sampling of rain serve as the evocative backdrop of Broughton’s “R.I.P. Joyce.” It’s about the artist’s struggle with the passing of his grandmother due to cancer. The ache in his voice as he spits bars like graffiti poetry on the walls of his psyche and tries to make sense of the loss of a woman in his life who was such an important figure and presence who shaped who he is, who supported him and helped him to see things in his life more clearly. Presumably she encouraged his creative endeavors and his development as a human being yet never got to see him perform his own music in front of an audience. Broughton consoles himself, to the extent possible, with the hope that his Nan looking down on him from the afterlife with a sense of pride. It’s a powerful composition that at close to four minutes feels like more like half that because Broughton conveys so well that moment of sorrow that may never go away but also always means your poignant appreciation for your loved one lost never goes away as well. Listen on Spotify and follow Broughton at the links below.